Panaji: The first vessel of the indigenous project for 05 Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard was launched by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday at Goa Shipyard Limited and named the vessel as ‘Sachet’.

The ongoing shipbuilding project for 05 Offshore Patrol Vessels is one of the biggest orders being executed by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard. This indigenous project was launched by the Prime Minister in November 13, 2016 and the keel of first Vessel was laid on Mar 20, 2017 by ADG K Natarajan, PTM, TM.

The vessel is in advanced stage of outfitting and will be ready for delivery by Jan 2020. Entirely designed in-house by the professionals of GSL, these OPVs will form a formidable part of the Coast Guard Fleet and used for protection of Exclusive Economic Zone of territorial water of the Nation.

These vessels will be fitted with most modern and technologically advanced machinery and computerised controls systems, making them the most advanced Patrol Vessels in service with the Indian Coast Guard, on delivery. These 2400 tonnes vessels will be equipped with features like Quick Response Boats for rescue and anti piracy, Gunnery simulators and many more advanced features.